The resident population in the UAE is predominantly comprised of expats. Reflecting this, expats also constitute a noteworthy 75.6% of the local HNW population – which has considerable implications when it comes to investors’ product and service demand. With strong demand for all planning services, being able to offer a holistic service proposition is a must in the UAE. Emirati HNW individuals typically come from either an entrepreneurial background or have sourced their wealth through earned income. The leading generator of wealth is oil, gas, and mining followed by property and real estate.

Key Findings

Advisory mandates are the preferred type of asset management among UAE investors, followed by discretionary services. Looking forward, the already strong demand for advisory mandates will continue to increase.

The desire to gain access to more sophisticated investment products only available through professionals and the complexity of their portfolios are the leading reasons Emirati HNW individuals seek professional advice.

Those seeking to self-direct are largely motivated by the desire to retain exclusive control over at least some of their portfolio and to avoid management fees.

The UAE HNW portfolio is balanced, with bonds and property accounting for the largest share of allocation followed by equities. Demand for all asset classes is expected to increase, with the exception of property investments.

Synopsis

Verdict Financial’s “Wealth in the UAE: HNW Investors” analyzes the investing preferences and portfolio allocation of Emirati HNW investors. The report is based on our proprietary Global Wealth Managers Survey.

Specifically the report:

Profiles the average Emirati HNW investor in terms of their demographics and analyzes the expat opportunity.

Analyzes which wealth management mandates are preferred among Emirati HNW investors and how demand will change in the future.

Examines the allocation of Emirati HNW investors’ portfolios into different asset classes and how this is expected to develop.